Calling 911

When to Call 911 & What You Need to Know

Only call 911 when you have a police/fire/medical emergency.

When you have a police/fire/medical emergency:

  1. Provide the dispatcher the address you need help at.
  2. Advise the dispatcher what you need, such as the fire or police department.
  3. Give your name and the phone number you are calling from.

What You Can Do After You Call 911

There are several things you can do until emergency responders arrive. These simple procedures will greatly aid the emergency responders and the patient they will treat:

  • If you determine that the patient is pulseless and non-breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but only if you have been trained in this life-saving technique.
  • Stay calm: do not get excited. This will reassure the patient that help is on the way.
  • Make the patient as comfortable as possible.
  • Control whatever bleeding you can (if the patient is bleeding).
  • Gather all the medication that the patient may be taking. This will help Emergency Responders better determine the medical history of the patient.
  • Move all furniture or obstacles out of the way so Emergency Responders have easy access to the patient. Make sure all pets are secured.
  • Remember the time, this is very important:
    • When was the last time you talked to the patient?
    • How long has the medical condition existed?
    • How long has the person been unconscious?